Master Reigns at Caulfield

New Zealand Bloodstock's South Island Sale of Two-Year-Olds bathed in the spotlight at Caulfield on Saturday, as its super-impressive graduate Master O'Reilly (NZ) (O'Reilly x Without Remorse) heralded the level of talent that springs from its ranks.

Master O'Reilly stamped his authority in the Group 1 BMW Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday to score a resounding two-and-a-half length victory over stable-mate Douro Valley (Encosta de Lago x Opaque).

The triumph, which marked the end of a dramatic pre-race build up which saw the withdrawal of hot Kiwi competitors Maldivian (NZ) and Eskimo Queen (NZ) at the gate, confirmed Master O'Reilly's status as a key contender for the Melbourne Cup. The New Zealand-bred victor was partnered by Vlad Duric in just his second ever Caulfield Cup ride won by the second largest winning margin of the last twenty years.

The Mark Walker trained, and reigning New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year, Princess Coup (Encosta de Lago x Stoneyfell Road) was a gallant third.

Bought as a two-year-old by Liam Sutcliffe Holdings for the sale-topping price of NZ$75,000 from Paraitai Stud, the five-year-old gelding currently holds a Timeform rating of 117p. Making steady progress through the handicapping ranks, he confirmed his worth last weekend with a victory in the Group 2 Winning Edge Presentation Stakes (2400m).

Master O'Reilly, who received 1.5kgs for his Caulfield win, will carry 53kgs in his tilt for Melbourne Cup glory.

The son of Waikato Stud sire O'Reilly has now won eight races for prizemoney of over A$1.8 million and joins Guyno, Alamosa, Final Destination and The Jewel as Group 1 winning progeny of the dual Group 1 winning son of Last Tycoon.